health

For some background, I think it's a good idea to mention some of the health concerns that I have gone through to bring me to this point. Hopefully, it will give an understanding to why running is/has been a challenge for me. I never knew I was sick, until I got well.

Age 12-Diagnosed with borderlined Lupus, saw a nephrologist for years and had routine bloodwork done, found that I have an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

Through high school-had shin splints, taped for games and practices, and iced through the on and off season, had electrolosis where they would shock my shins and create barriers of some sort. Had horrible acid reflux and often couldn't eat more than gatorade and crackers.

College soccer-taped arches and shins and had ultrasounds on my shins done, iced with dixie cups, spent an hour before and an hour after practice in the training room.

Dec 2004-had surgery on both legs for medial tibial stress syndrome and compartment syndrome (all 4 compartments, both legs). Recovery time was AT LEAST 2 years...but I am finally comfortable doing any type of exercise

Aug 2005-had a Lap Nissen Fundoplacation done for my reflux. Best decision I've ever had. I told myself that the surgery would pay for itself if I weren't on acid medicine full time in 5 years. We are approaching the 5 year mark and I am happy to say that the medicine I take is for the erosion that was caused by the reflux, not because I have reflux!

Feb 2008-Exploratory surgery of reproductive area. Found some answers...started to do some questioning in other areas.

Aug 2008- Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Thought this was the greatest answer any doctor has ever given me. It FIT! So I started to read and find ways to maintain a normal life. I kept stumbling upon DIET. So, I thought I needed to eliminate MSG from my diet. Turns out, I just needed to eliminate gluten.

Nov 2008-GLUTEN FREE!!! I am self diagnosed with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. That means, the vili in my small intestines have not been damaged by gluten consumption. Turns out, NCGS mimics auto-immune disorders...see Lupus and Fibro above. So, yes, I believe I have had this my whole life, but because it can't actually be tested via labs or biopsies, doctors don't diagnose it. The only way to know if you have a sensitivity, is to eliminate ALL of the gluten in your diet. It is also hereditary. My mom has been on this diet a few months and is finding benefit in the elimination as well.

Currently, I have played a few games of indoor soccer and feel better than I felt in high school. I competed on a volleyball team with other college athletes and we won the championship. I completed my first 5k with a time of 33 minutes. If anything, this is my way of saying to you that YOU know your body better than ANYone. Don't let a doctor tell you there is nothing wrong. If you believe there is something wrong, please start investigating. Don't be afraid to try a few things...with plenty of research of course. Also, I will say that I went to my family doctor a few months ago to make sure it would be "ok" for me to begin training for the Mini and he said yes. He later told my mom in one of her visits that I looked better than he had seen me look in the whole 10 years since I'd been going to him. I didn't go to him very often over the course of the 10 years because I saw a specialist for most of my issues. So, anyway, I thought I should give a little bit of background for why this journey has been amazing and why I never thought it would be possible.

Possible workout tonight: 3-4 miles depends on inside or outside...I get bored on the treadmill really fast...but it might be warm enough to run outside...34 degrees or so.

Happy Running! :)